EI VHF News (2001)

The purpose of this page is to act like a notice board for what is happening around EI on the VHF bands. I hope to keep it updated with news of repeaters, beacons, news of future expeditions, etc. I may also include some non-EI VHF news items as well.....de John, EI7GL.

December 2001

Excellent conditions on 50 MHz -
The present solar cycle looks like it may have a second peak with the solar flux in the 200's recently. Conditions on 50 MHz have been excellent with plenty of DX on the band. Nearly every day for the last few weeks, the band has opened to North America. During the Christmas period, there were some very good openings to South America and the West Indies. Several EI firsts on 50 MHz were made during this period.
Some of the DX that was worked from EI was 4X, 5B4, UA3, UT5, D44BS, D44TD, CO2OJ, FY5KE, PZ5RA, VP5VAC, YV1DIG, P49MR, P43JB, ZF1DC, OD5, PY, C6AGN, FG5, HK4 and FM5WD.
One such opening was on the 27th of December when PJ2MI (Netherland Antilles) was worked by several EI stations. The EI stations that made it into his log were :EI8HZ at 12:24 (EI First), EI5FK 12:27, EI3EBB 12:28, EI7GL 12:30, EI3IO 12:38 and EI7BA 13:42 ...................................with info from EI5FK.

New 2-Metre Beacon Established in Cornwall -
"On an allied subject, a new 2-metre beacon is being established at the Poldhu Amateur Radio Club location, 8 kilometres south of Helston in Cornwall. GB3SSS will operate on 144.407MHz using a power of 25 watts to two 8-element stacked Yagis beaming at 284 degrees. It is hoped to increase the power to 100 watts later. The beacon is expected to start before the Marconi centenary celebrations on the 12th of December. For further details please contact the beacon keeper, Mr L Davey-Thomas, G3AGA, whose address is correct in the RSGB Yearbook."......................From the RSGB News.As of the 10th of December, this beacon is now operational.........John, EI7GL

Change in Tipperary 2m News -
Tipperary Amateur Radio group wish to draw your attention to the following changes in the groups
activities. As and from the first Sunday in December the IRTS Radio News bulletin on 2 metres and 70 cm will be broadcast at 8:30 pm local time. Transmission frequencies are 433.450 MHz and 145.450 MHz.

November 2001

50 MHz Band Opens Up -
"A combination of high solar flux and low magnetic activity provided world-wide F-layer propagation on 50MHz during the week up to the 4th of November. Strong backscatter and the occasional Sporadic E openings meant that all continents were worked from the UK on 50MHz during the course of the week.
Due to the high solar flux and low magnetic activity there were 50MHz openings to Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines and Cambodia on some mornings, then to west and southern Africa and Brazil followed by North America and the Caribbean during the afternoon. Strong European backscatter and occasional Sporadic E meant that all continents were worked from the UK on 50MHz during the course of the period."........From the RSGB News.

Since mid October, there have been several good 6 metre openings from EI also.
Some of the countries worked from Ireland during the last 3 weeks were :
4X (Israel), 5B (Cyprus), 9G (Ghana), 9M2 (West Malaysia), 9V (Singapore), D44 (Cape Verde Is.), E3 (Eritrea), EK (Armenia), JY (Jordan), OD5 (Lebanon), TI (Costa Rica), UK (Uzbekistan), VE (Canada), VR2 (Hong Kong), VU (India), W (USA), XU (Cambodia), XW (Laos), YS (El Salvador) and ZF (Cayman Is.).
Some of these contacts were EI firsts. The VK beacon on 50.302 MHz has been heard several times although there have been no reports of any VK stations been worked.
Some of EI stations working the DX were EI2JC, EI3EBB, EI3IO, EI3IX, EI4DW, EI4IX, EI5FK, EI6AS, EI6IZ, EI7BMB and EI7GL.

New UK 47 GHz Band Record -
"On Sunday the 21st October the UK distance record for the 47GHz band was raised from 163 to 203 kilometres. G7MRF and G0HNW, operating as GM7MRF/P and GM0HNW/P from Cambret Hill - IO74UV - in Dumfries and Galloway, had a two-way CW contact with G0IVA, operating as GW0IVA/P, in the Snowdon range - IO73XB- in North Wales. M0VZT/P was also at the Scottish end of the path but unfortunately was unable to make a two way contact. This distance comfortably exceeds the former record of 161 kilometres set in September 1999 by the same group. Reports of RST 519 / 419 were exchanged.
An attempt was also made for a first GM to GI contact on 47GHz but GI8GJX/P near Belfast had equipment problems and the attempt had to be aborted.
This new record is the culmination of many months of development work and tests over shorter paths. The equipment used at the Scottish end of the link included 15-milliwatt narrowband transmitters with simple mixer diode receivers designed by DB6NT. The GM stations used 90-centimetre diameter cassegrain fed dishes, while GW0IVA's equipment included a 20-milliwatt transmitter, a DB6NT receive mixer and a 30-centimetre diameter offset fed dish antenna. Initial contact was made easily on the 24GHz band, with S9-plus signals both ways, using the same dishes as on 47GHz. This enabled very accurate dish alignment to be achieved before moving to the higher band.
Full details of this record-breaking event and details of the 47GHz equipment used can be found on G3PHO's 'The World Above 1000MHz' web site which is linked from the RSGB's own site at www.rsgb.org ".............From the RSGB News.

Brendan Trophies for trans-Atlantic QSO on 2 metres -
"The IRTS has available two Waterford Crystal trophies to be
awarded to the first stations completing a 2 metre QSO
across the Atlantic.
Mark Casey K1MAP and Dick Bean K1HC are actively
seeking interested operators from this side of the
ocean for a serious attempt next summer. They are
looking at the feasibility of making the contact on
PSK31, high speed CW or indeed any other modes. You may
contact Mark at map_AT_map.com or Dick at k1hc_AT_aol.com."..........From the IRTS News.

October 2001

New World Distance record on 4 metres (70 MHz) - News has just come to light of a remarkable contact that took place last July. Dave Court, EI3IO, had a SSB contact on 70 MHz with 5B/G1JJE in Cyprus. The contact took place on the 29th of July at 11:49 UTC. The distance between EI3IO (IO63WF) and 5B/G1JJE (KM64ES) was 3,646 kms. This exceeds the old record of 3,465 kms by 181 kms which was set by GW4ASR/P and 5B4AZ in 1981. As 70 MHz activity is currently only allowed in IARU Region-1, this contact as a result is a world record and is the longest contact ever achieved on this band.
Dave, EI3IO, was using 50 watts to a 4 element Yagi at 70 Feet AGL. 5B/G1JJE was using 20 watts into a dipole. 5B/G1JJE was 59 near Dublin, Ireland whilst EI3IO was 55 near Paphos,
Cyprus. At Dave's QTH, the 5B4CY beacon was S9 for about 40 minutes. The mode of propogation involved was most likely double hop Sporadic-E. Another remarkable aspect of this contact is that it took place so late in the Sporadic-E season. In previous years, the 70 MHz beacon in Cyprus has been heard in Western Europe only during the peak of the Sporadic-E season around the first week of June. In fact, this is exactly when the previous record was set (7th June 1981).

September 2001

New 2 Metre Sporadic-E Propogation Challenge -
To promote further research into Sporadic E propagation, the 'F8SH Challenge' has recently been announced in memory of the late Serge Canivenc, F8SH. The basic rules are that all contacts must be made on 144 MHz via Sporadic-E. The total number of points is the total number of locators X the total number of stations worked. There is a special award for stations having worked the most locator squares and for stations with the longest distance QSO. All QSO's for 2001 must have been made between the 1st of May and the 30th of September.
The full rules and further info can be found on the F8SH Challenge Website.

2 Metres Counties Contest Activity -
"South Dublin Radio Club members Nicholas EI5FLB, Mark EI7FNB and Joe EI7GY
activated the club call during the recent Counties Contest. The QTH was the Ridge of Cappard, County
Laois, from where much of the Dublin and Wicklow Mountains are clearly visible. Coming after the
enforced absence from the hills in April, because of Foot and Mouth restrictions, and helped by the
excellent weather, the SDR crew made more than 50 contacts on a combination of FM and SSB. The antennas
used were a 13 element Tonna, horizontally polarised, and a 7 element ZL-Special as the vertical antenna."
..........From the IRTS News.

New UHF Bands ??? -
In a recent IRTS News bulletin, there was a piece about the proposed new licence.
Part of the bulletin read "A draft of the proposed new regulations, is expected to be published
shortly, which will be followed by a consultation period. The new license is expected to provide for
increased power, additional UHF bands and IRTS hosting
of revised examinations, along the multiple choice format."

August 2001

AMATEURS COMPLETE FIRST 24-GHZ EARTH-MOON-EARTH QSO -
"Here's another one for the Amateur Radio record books. On Saturday, August
18, hams in Texas and Manitoba completed the first 24-GHz Earth-Moon-Earth
(EME) QSO. The contact followed by several months the first documented
echoes from the moon on 24 GHz.
Noted microwave enthusiast Al Ward, W5LUA, of Allen, Texas (EM13), says his
QSO with Barry Malowanchuk, VE4MA, in Winnipeg, Manitoba (EN19), was a
result of several years of effort in trying to optimize antenna gain and
receiver sensitivity, and to obtain adequate power to make the roughly
half-million mile path to the moon and back.
"Signals were weak but easily copied at both ends," Ward said. The August 18
QSO took place at 1417 UTC on 24,192 MHz. Malowanchuk said the two exchanged
"M" reports.
After many failed attempts, Ward succeeded last March in hearing 24 GHz EME
echoes and documenting them for the first time. Such accomplishments on 24
GHz are particularly significant because water-vapor absorption of signals
peaks at around that frequency.
VE4MA used a 2.8-meter offset-fed dish and a travelling wave tube amplifier
producing 70 W. W5LUA has a 3-meter prime focus dish and a TWT amp producing
80 W. A fixture in the VHF-UHF and microwave standings, Ward was the
recipient of the 2000 ARRL Microwave Development Award.".......From the ARRL News.

First echo using WSJT from the Moon??? -
"This is probably a first! Alex. RU1AA reported this morning on the cluster that he had heard and
decoded his own WSJT echo from the Moon. When will we have the first 2-way EME contact using WSJT?
Anyone care to guess at the required path-loss capability requirement (antenna size, noise figure, amp output)?
Maybe the day isn't too far ahead, when EME is within the reach of the great unwashed masses (those of us with no CW skills and no big antenna arrays)! Vy 73 de OZ1PIF, Peter"......................Info from Dave, EI4IX.

GB3BUX 6- and 4-metre Beacons Back on the Air -
"The GB3BUX beacons, located just south of Buxton in Derbyshire, are back on the air. GB3BUX operates on exactly 50.000 and 70.000MHz. The two beacons returned to service at 1830UTC on the 1st of August. Each beacon operates at 25 watts ERP. The antenna system is omnidirectional with horizontal polarization from twin stacked turnstiles at about 15 feet above ground level. There is, however, a change to the previous keying sequence in order to allow users to examine the signal at 10 sweeps a second on an oscilloscope for propagation studies. During each second, there is now a 10 millisecond carrier break every 100 milliseconds, with a 40 millisecond break on the second. The callsign identifications remain the same as before - "GB3BUX" on the minute and "GB3BUX IO93BF" on the five-minute mark.".......From the RSGB News.Under lift conditions, these beacons can be heard in EI.

4 Metre Activity Evening -
"Calling all 4 metre operators. In the interests of
generating some activity on the 4 meter band there will
be a call in on 70.2625 MHz on the first Tuesday of
every month. The next 4 metre activity evening starts
at 8.00pm on the 7th of August. Whether you have
AM/FM/SSB gear, use vertical or horizontal
polarization, give a call in. If you cannot transmit on 4m, then try working some of the 4m stations crossband from 145.225 MHz FM. If there is sufficient
interest 4 meter / 6 meter cross band may be
investigated.

July 2001

Sporadic-E opening on 2 Metres -
"During the VHF field day on Saturday the 7th last, there was a sporadic E opening on 144 MHz with many EI stations working countries such as Italy,Slovenia, Croatia, France, Bosnia, Sardinia and Corsica. EI stations heard QRV were EI9E/P, EI7KRC/P, EI7TRG/P, EI5IX/P, EI7GL, EI5FK, EI4IX and EI2FSB. Many of the contacts made were over 2000 kms. On 50 MHz there was a massive Es opening with most of Europe heard as well as the Caribbean and South Africa."........From the IRTS News.

New Digital DX Mode on 2 Metres-
Report from Dave, EI4IX - "Just thought I'd let you all know of the latest mode to hit 2m.
You may have seen alot of 2 Metre dx spots on the cluster recently
for WSJT. Its new software that uses a 4 tone FSK technique
to complete Meteor Scatter QSOs. In the past SSB could only
be used in showers so every day meteor contacts were made
with High Speed CW. This program claims to be as efficient
as HSCW at 10,000 Letters Per Minute (2000 words per minute!!!)
The good news is that it is free software. It uses 30 second periods
so during a shower, contacts could be completed in 2 minutes
and you don't need to use CW. You will need a decent
windows PC with a soundcard and a way of connecting the
audio in/out of the soundcard to your radio. Rigblaster does
this and controls TX/RX switching. Otherwise you can build
a circuit. Its a new mode and still in the experimental stages.
For more info, try http://www.qsl.net/w8wn/hscw/papers/hot_news.html
By the way..... with 100w and a 17elm M Squared Yagi, I get enough reflections
to complete QSOs between 1000kms-1700kms nearly anytime.
With mornings being much faster to complete with HSCW, I'd
expect similar results with this digital version."..........Repot from Dave, EI4IX.

EA1VHF back on air -
The Spanish 2m beacon, EA1VHF, is active again. It operates now on a frequency of 144.4025 MHz. The old frequency was 144.404 MHz. It transmits the message "EA1VHF IN52RE 25W 615m ASL antenna omnid hitz" in CW. It is running 25 watts into a Halo antenna (30/210 deg) at 600 metres above sea level. This beacon is very useful for UK and EI stations as it shows when the sea path to the North coast of Spain is open on 2m. At times when there is a high pressure weather system over the Bay of Biscay, Spanish 2m stations can be heard and worked in EI with 5/9+ signals.......Report from EI5FK

Opening on 144 MHz from EI to 7X (Algeria) - On the 6th July at 18:49 UTC during a short Sporadic-E opening, Charles Coughlan, EI5FK, worked 7X2LS in Algeria on 144 MHz SSB. Signals varied up to 5/7. This is a first contact ever between Ireland and Algeria on 2 metres. During the same opening Charlie worked stations in EA6 (The Balearic Islands).......Info from EI5FK

Tropo opening on 144 MHz from EI to CT (Portugal) -
Report from Charles, EI5FK - "On 7th July after some interesting Sp-E propogation on 144 MHz, I was called by CTIFOH in IM59RX (1315 kms). . This station was workable for at least 45 minutes with signal levels up to s-9. I also worked CT1FBF/P in IM58ML (1482 kms).
I called Dave EI4IX and he also worked CT1FOH via tropo (1548 kms).
I worked EB1IVY/P in IN52LV (992 kms) , then EEIOCV ? in IN62SI (1063 kms).
These qso's via tropo are most unusual as I rarely work past the North coast of Spain and have not worked CT via tropo before. These tropo qso's took place between 19.00 and 21.30 gmt."...........Report from Charles, EI5FK.

Expedition to IO43 Square - Tony, EI7BMB, is planning to activate the IO43 locator square between the 3rd and 6th of August. He will be qrv on 50 MHz and 144 MHz.

EI 432 MHz EME Activity??? -
According to the Seen And Heard column in the recent IRTS Newsletter, Mick EI6GF and Billy EI7FJ (IO62 Square) are experimenting with 70 cms moonbounce.

2 Metre Trans-Atlantic Info -
"Ev Tupis, W2EV, wrote "I am searching for anyone in Europe with an Atlantic Ocean view for an experiment. If you are interested in an attempt at the first trans-Atlantic 2m QSO, and are willing to experiment with a new PSK31-based beacon/communication system, please send me an e-mail. We are setting up a well-equipped station in Florida, due to the Gulf Stream water effect, with the hopes that this will be the most likely path to Europe. Others along the USA's Atlantic coast will probably join us once we set up." His e-mail address is w2ev_AT_rochester.rr.com and his website is http://go.to/beaconet "..........From the July Issue of Radcom.

Results of the Spring 2m Counties Contest -
"The following are the results of the Counties Contest (high power fixed section) held on the 16th of April 2001.
First place was taken by Thomas Caffrey EI7FIB who worked 10 counties in 45 QSO's and 210 points giving a grand total of 2100.
Second place went to John Doherty EI5FOB with 33 QSO's 12 counties and 107 points giving a total of 1284.
Third place went to David Cawley EI4IX with 28 QSO's, 11 counties and 111 points giving a total of 1221.
Fourth was Hugh O'Donnell EI2HI with 1166 points, fifth was EI2SDR (South Dublin Radio) operated by Joe EI7GY and Nicholas EI5FLB with 665 points. In sixth place was John Kelly EI4HS with 590 points, seventh was Brendan Kavanagh EI8IB with 485 points and 8th was Vincent Long EI5IO with 192 points.
The following are the results of the low power fixed section. First place was taken by Paul Norris EI3ENB
who worked 7 counties in 25 QSO?s and 114 points giving a grand total of
798. Second place went to Tom McDermott EI9CJ with 22 QSO?s 5 counties
and 86 points giving a total of 430. The FM only section was won by Fr.
N. T. Foley EI4CF with 13 QSO?s in 7 counties giving 322 points. Well done
to all that took part. ".......From the IRTS News.

EI 70cms Contest during July -
"The Slievenamon Perpetual Trophy which was presented to the IRTS by Tipperary Amateur Radio Group this year is to be awarded to the station that achieves the highest number of points in a 70cm's only competition. TARG hope that this award will in part encourage activity on the 70cm band and also create some enjoyable days throughout the month of July.
The competition is to be restricted annually to all Sundays over the month of July and only FM simplex contacts are valid. Points are calculated as follows; 1 point per contact multiplied by the number of counties. Outside EI/GI only 1 point and no multiplier. Entrants are permitted to include contacts made during the IRTS UHF/VHF field day, so long as the contacts are on 70cm's FM and simplex. There is a power restriction of 150watts. Contacts can be made mobile, portable and stationary. This is an IRTS members only competition and standard competition logs are to be submitted to the IRTS Contest Manager before the 31st of August. For further details please e-mail TRG secretary at john.burke_AT_honeywell.com or phone 087 2238125. "......From the IRTS News.

June 2001

Special event station on 50 MHz from IO51 -
"There will be a special event station on 6m tomorrow (Saturday, 30th June) from Crookhaven, Ireland, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the founding of coastal stations by Marconi. He set up two stations in Ireland, one at Rosslare and the other at Crookhaven near the Mizen Head as well as others in the UK. I will be operating the 6m station from 09:00 to 17:00 UTC with the callsign EI1CCK, "CK" being the original callsign used by Marconi, and the "1C" for 1 century. The HF and 6m station will be run from the very room that Marconi used. Hope to work as many as conditions allow. There will of course be a special QSL card for all contacts........Tony, EI2FSB.".........From the UKSMG Website.QSL for EI1CCK is via EI5IY

Opening from EI to Canary Islands (EA8) on 2m and 70 cms -
Report from Charles, EI5FK.
"Opening to EA8 on June 19th. I worked EB8BTV on 144.300 at 20:28 at 55 signal. At 22:30
I was called by EA8BPX on 144.300 MHz. After this qso we went to 432.200 MHz and had a good cw qso exchanging 519 reports (Distance = 2678 kms). This is most unusual on 70 cms and has only been done once before as far as I am aware by EI9Q about 15 years ago. I used 50 watts to a homebrew 16 ele Quagi. Other stations worked on 432 MHz between 19/22th June were :
EA1OS - IN53TI, EA1CRK - IN73DM, EB1EHO - IN73DM, EA1DDU - IN73FM, EA1DAX - IN53TH,
F5DAT - IN94WO (1015 kms), F6ETI - IN87IO, F1FLX - IN93TH. (1126 kms)"....Report from Charles Coughlan, EI5FK.

Tony, EI7BMB, activates rare squares on 6 metres during June -
"Heres the stats for the trip, all qsls are now on www.eqsl.cc . Stations worked in total = 440. IO55 = 7 (lousy prop except for sm). Theres a G station planning a trip to IO55. IO54 = 86, IO44 = 210 and IO43 = 137. Sorry to all the guys I missed and thanks again for the kind words expressed here. The reason I mainly used a 1/4 wave whip was because every time I set up the beam, complete strangers wanted to come over and touch it, I guess they had nothing better to do. One woman asked me if I had come to improve her recption from a (illegal) deflector system. I'll definitely be back in IO43/IO44/IO54 as I love it on the island of Achill."......From the UKSMG Website.

2m Counties Awards at the IRTS AGM -
"The following are some of the awards that were
presented at the recent IRTS AGM. The IRTS 2 metre
Counties for Spring and Autumn 2000 (high power fixed)
were awarded to EI2IT and the low power fixed section,
again for Spring and Autumn went to EI3ENB."......From the IRTS News.

Galway 2m Repeater -
"The Galway Repeater is back to its original position on
the tower at Tonabrukey.
Aengus EI4ABB and Richard EI5GC put the Antenna back on
top of the tower.
The coverage should be much better now, and reports
would be appreciated.
The IRTS News is read from Galway each Monday night at
2000 hrs local on R1 145.625 MHz FM. The news is
followed by a QSO."......From the IRTS News.

2 Metre SSB Activity -
"Anyone interested in 2 meter SSB activity? If so there
is a call in every week after the Sunday 11 o'clock
I.R.T.S. news, on 144.300 MHz. A number of operators
monitor and call on this frequency but never hear
anyone.
It does not matter wither your antenna is horizontal or
vertical, just give a call and lets try and get some
activity going on this mode.
The Squares Table is up and running again this year,
anyone working DX on any of the VHF/UHF bands please
forward their totals for inclusion on this table. The
table will be published in each edition of the
newsletter. Anyone looking for the up to date scores
will find them on EI7GL's web page at
http://www.qsl.net/ei7gl . Thanks to John for including
the table on his homepage."......From the IRTS News.

Six Metre Award - The IRTS "EI7IQ National 6 Metre Shield" award for 6 metre activity has been awarded to Charles Coughlan, EI5FK, for the Year 2000. During the year, Charles had 1016 unique qsos on 50 MHz. He worked 408 locator squares and 92 DXCC countries.

144 MHz Opening to the Canary Islands (EA8) -
"An excellent marine path tropo opening between the UK and Canary Islands occurred during Saturday evening, the 26th of May. RSGB VHF Manager David Butler, G4ASR, made contacts with EB8BTV and EA8BPX between 2008 and 2100UTC on CW and SSB. At least 11 other UK stations are known to have either worked or heard EA8BPX and EB8BTV, who were still being heard in the UK as late as 2330UTC.
G4ASR comments that this 3000-kilometre path from the UK to the Canary Islands is open every year, but more often in July or early August. The marine path opening favours stations in south-west and western England, Wales, Ireland and occasionally western Scotland. Look for openings to the north coast of Spain - the EA1 call district - and then call for EA8 stations around 144.300MHz. Contacts are also made on 144MHz FM, especially by stations in Cornwall, and the path will also support communications on the 432MHz band and higher frequencies.".....From the RSGB News.

May 2001

GB3SIX 6m Beacon - The Anglesey 50 MHz, GB3SIX, is now on the air. It can be heard on 50.020 MHz and sends the following message "DE GB3SIX IO73TI ANGLESEY" followed by a 10 second dash. While it is not on air all of the time at present, when it is, it puts a good signal into EI. This will be a very useful beacon for EI stations doing antenna tests or for checking tropo conditions.

Activity in IO61 Square - Ger, EI8HT, is now active on 50 MHz and 144 MHz from IO61 square. Ger is using a IC746 and a 2 El Quad on 50 MHz. Ger's locator is IO61BW.

IRTS VHF/UHF Field Day - It looks as if the IRTS VHF/UHF Field day will proceed as normal on the first weekend in July (See below....RSGB event cancelled in UK). Note that for the first time ever, 50 MHz will be allowed for the contest (Assuming of course, that the relevant station/club has permission from the ODTR to use 50 MHz). If there is Sporadic-E on the day, the 6 metre activity should compensate for the lack of activity on the higher bands........With info from Dave, EI4BZ.

RSGB VHF National Field Day is Cancelled -
"The RSGB VHF Contest Committee has taken the decision to cancel VHF National Field Day, scheduled for the weekend of the 7th and 8th of July, in view of the continuing foot and mouth disease restrictions in some parts of the country. For a full explanation of this decision, please refer to the news story on the VHF Contest Committee's web site. There is a link from the RSGB's main web site at www.rsgb.org .
No decision has yet been taken on the possible re-arrangement of VHF NFD for later in the year. The VHF Contest Committee has suggested that the weekend of the 1st and 2nd of September might be an appropriate time and is requesting feedback on this possibility. A further announcement about any re-arrangement will be made by the beginning of July at the latest. Up to date information about the emergency regulations affecting VHF contest rules can be found on the VHFCC's web site.".....From the RSGB News.

PW QRP Contest Cancelled -
"The 2 Metres PW QRP contest scheduled for June 2001 has been
cancelled. Restrictions on access to farmland and
countryside areas in response to the foot and mouth
disease outbreak means that many portable locations in
the UK cannot currently be used. Practical Wireless
expresses regret at having to take this step, but it is
an inevitable consequence of the restrictions imposed
to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease."......From the IRTS News.

6m Activity in IO61 Square - "I will be QRV from IO61 next sat, sun and possibly Mon (5th, 6th and 7th of May), listening on 50.135 on ssb and PSK31 with 100w and a 3 elem. Heres hoping for some E's 73 Tony, EI7BMB (skydigital_AT_ntlworld.ie)".....From the UKSMG Website.

Six Metre Awards -
"There is some confusion about the year 2000 six metre activity award. Points
will be awarded as follows, 1 point per each unique QSO. Multiplied by
the total number of locator squares worked (first four characters only).
And again Multiplied by the number of DXCC countries worked.
Completed logs with cover sheets should be sent to the contest manager
John McDonnell EI6IR at ei6ir_AT_eircom.net Phone 094-60127".....From the IRTS News.

April 2001

World's First 23-Centimetre Auroral Contact -
"What looks likely to be confirmed as the world's first auroral contact in the 23cm band took place on the 11th of April. Carl Mohlin , SM3AKW, had the contact with SM5QA at 1650UTC and exchanged '33A' reports. Carl comments that the signal sounded like auroral signals on the lower bands. Both stations transmitted on 1296.200MHz, but a plus-5kHz Doppler shift each way meant signals were received on 1296.205MHz. Both stations were running 500 watts to high-gain antennas.".....from the RSGB News.

GB3SIX 6m Beacon - In a recent announcement on the UKSMG announcement board, GW4VEQ wrote "A new low-power transmitter for the GB3SIX Isle of Anglesey 6m beacon has been completed, and is likely to be switched on for controlled tests very soon. The
beacon will TX on 50.020 MHZ, and it's operation is likely to be sporadic until
TX tests are complete. More details will be released in due course. We are
looking for a vertical aerial for the beacon, and until we find one, the
temporary aerial will be directional.....Tony - GW4VEQ ".....Info From the UKSMG Website.
This beacon was operational before during the late 80's and early 90's. As it was beaming West torwards North America, it had a very good signal in Ireland. As a result, it was a good indicator of tropo conditions on the band or for doing antenna tests.

Spring Counties Contest -
"Despite the unfortunate cancellation of the Portable sections of the Spring
Counties Contest this year due to the foot and mouth situation, many stations
were active from their fixed locations.
Members of South Dublin Radio Club participated in the Counties Contest.
Three separate stations were set up around Dublin, including the SDR club
station at the club's QTH in Rathfarnham. Despite the absence of portable
stations, good scores were achieved by the three stations, each of which
operated on both SSB and FM. Best DX from the club QTH was County Tipperary.
County Down was also worked and a Galway station was heard briefly, but
not for long enough to complete a QSO.
In Waterford, John EI8JA and Gareth EI7FZB, were active from their own QTH's
in the city. Stations as far away as Co. Louth were worked. Well done
to all who participated.".......From the IRTS News.

GW 6m Repeater - In a recent letter to the IRTS, Dave GW0WBQ, wrote.... "Dear Sir, I am seeking your help to determine as to if GB3AE which is situated near Tenby in the County of Pembrokeshire can be heard in the Republic,the output freq. is 50.72Mhz and the input freq. is 51.22Mhz with a CTCSS tone of 94.8 hertz's, if any amateur stations on the south eastern coast can hear the repeater please call in, if any swl can hear it please let me know. - Dave Howells (GW0WBQ) keeper GB3AE." If any EI stations have heard this repeater, you can let the IRTS VHF Manager, Joe Fadden, EI3IX know by e-mail - joe_fadden_AT_yahoo.com.....Info from Joe, EI3IX.

70 MHz / 4 Metres - In the April edition of the IRTS Newsletter, John, EI7IQ, wrote...."I understand from talking with members throughout the country that it is becoming very difficult to get 4 metres (70 MHz) on your ticket at the moment.
We have a secondary allocation on this band of course, and there is considerable pressure on the ODTR for PMR spectrum. This comes from the regulator's policy of making sure all PMR users are licensed, which is a position one could not criticise.
On the down side, more licensed PMR sets means more spectrum requirement. PMR users don't want to, and wont go, to digital systems (presumably a cost driven decision) so there is more demand on low band.
I have frequently called for amateurs / experimenters to seek permission for all available bands/modes to prevent this type of situation.
We now need more than ever to look closely at all secondary bands, and especially the VHF/UHF allocation. What is it they say....Use it or lose it."......From the April edition of the IRTS Newsletter.

Slievenamon Shield -
"The Tipperary Radio Group recently presented the
Slievenamon Shield to the IRTS in an effort to promote
activity on the 70cm band.
The Shield will be competed for over the Sundays in
July and activity will be confined to simplex QSOs on
FM only between 433.400 and 434.400 MHz.
Score one point for each QSO and the multiplier will be
the number of counties worked"......From the IRTS News.

March 2001

Spanish TV station on 48.250 MHz to close?? - At present, there is a Spanish TV station operating on 48.250 MHz from near Madrid with an ERP output of 250 KW. While, the carrier of the TV signal is below the 6m band, the video part of the TV signal extends upwards for about 5 MHz and covers all of the 6m band. These video signals can easily be heard on 6m during openings to the South in the Summer months. While sometimes, they are a source of inteference and QRM, they are also good indicators that the band is actually open.
It now looks as if this TV transmitter will be closing sometime between now and the 31st of July, 2001. It will also probably mean that there will now be more Spanish (EH) stations on the band, especially from central Spain where 6m operation is not permitted at present.....based on info from the UKSMG Website.

Portable sections in the 2m Counties cancelled -
Due to restriction imposed by the recent Foot and Mouth outbreak, the annual 2 Metres Counties Contest being held on Easter Monday will go ahead but the two portable
sections have been cancelled.
There will now be three sections, 1. High power fixed, 2. Low power fixed and 3. FM only, fixed.....Info fom the IRTS News.

EI ATV Repeater Pictures recieved in North Wales -
In a recent issue of Radcom, there was an item in the ATV column about reception of 23 cms EI ATV pictures in North West Wales. The article said "GW4KAZ and GW0ABL were operating a portable special event station, GB2VK, from the old Marconi site at Waunfawr (near Llanberis) and were delighted to recieve P3 signals from the EI4DVR repeater near Dublin, under relatively flat conditions." The distance involved is about 150 kms which is very good for 1.3 GHz under flat conditions..........Info from Radcom.

EI Activity on 2m SSB -
"If you have access to 2m SSB equipment why not call in every week after the Sunday 10:45 AM IRTS news (144.275), on 144.300 MHz. A number of operators monitor and call in on this frequency but never hear anyone. It does not matter whether your antenna is horizontal or vertical, just give a call and lets try and get some activity going on this mode. If anyone wants to try and get a sked going for any of the other modes A1A, A3E etc. on 2 metres or 70 cm's, e-mail joe_fadden_AT_yahoo.com.The squares table is up and running again this year, anyone working DX on any of the VHF/UHF bands please forward their totals for inclusion on this table. The table will be published in each edition of the newsletter, anyone looking for the up to date scores will find them on EI7GL's web page. Thanks to John for including the table on his homepage.".....From the IRTS News.

New World Distance Record on 76 GHz -
"A new world distance record on 76 GHz is
being claimed by Palo Alto Amateur Radio Association member Bob Johnson,
KF6KVG, and his partner, Will Jensby, W0EOM, of the 50MHz and Up Group. The
new claimed record for 76 GHz was set February 1. Johnson was located
southwest of San Jose, California, on Mount Loma Prieta running 1mW to a
12-inch dish antenna. Jensby was located on Mount Vaca near Vacaville
running 5 mW to an 18-inch dish. The total distance covered was 145
kilometers based on the "center of grid square to center of grid square"
measurement approach.--adapted from PAARAgraphs March 2001"......From the ARRL News.

Operation from IO61 square on 50MHz -
Tony, EI7BMB, plans to be active from IO61 square during Good Friday and Easter Saturday (21st and 22nd of April). He will also using PSK31. Tony can be contacted at tony_AT_esatclear.ie .......Info from the UKSMG Website.

Portable Operation Cancelled in UK VHF contests -
"In the light of current foot and mouth disease restrictions, the RSGB VHF Contest Committee have announced that the Portable sections of all its contests are suspended forthwith. This temporary rule will remain in force until the outbreak has been controlled. Because of this there will be no portable section in this weekend's 144/432MHz All Mode Contest."......From the RSGB News.

New 70 cms Contest Trophy -
The Tipperary Amateur Radio Group have recently donated a trophy to the IRTS. It is
hoped that the Slievenamon Perpetual Trophy will be used for a 70cm competition
and details of this are to be unveiled at the forthcoming IRTS AGM. The
purpose of this donation is to encourage usage of the 70cm band.......Info from the IRTS News

2m Transatlantic Beacon -
"Members of the North East Weak Signal Group (NEWS) are currently
rebuilding the Trans-Atlantic beacon. It is expected that the beacon
will return on the air during early spring of 2001 from its location in
Rhode Island, and on 144.282 MHz
Several members of the group are interested in accomplishing the feat of
a 2 meter contact between Europe and the US. If you have an Internet
reflector/remailer set up for discussions or plans or if you have any
comments contact Mark Casey, K1MAP at 303 Main St., Hampden MA 01036 or
via e-mail to map_AT_map.com ".........From the IRTS Radio News.

New UK 76GHz Distance Record -
"John, G8ACE, and Peter, G3PYB, set a new UK 76GHz distance record on Sunday, the 28th of January. The two sites were Walbury Hill and Butser Hill, some 52km apart. G8ACE used an eight milliwatt source mounted on a 30cm Cassegrain-fed dish.
Meanwhile, in America, the World 76GHz record has been extended to 145km by Will, W0EOM/6, and Bob, KF6KVG/6, in California. Bob used a 12-inch dish with one milliwatt, while Will used an 18-inch dish with 5mW.".......From the RSGB News.

February 2001

Cork 70 cms Repeater -
The Cork 70 cms repeater on RB10 (433.250 MHz) is now back on air again.
It had been off the air for some months due to damage to the support mast in a storm.
There are plans to add an amplifier to this repeater in the future.

VHF/UHF Activity in Tipperary -
"Most Tipperary Amateur Radio Group members are now
equipped with both 2m and 70cm transmitters and would
invite any amateurs passing through south Tipperary to
call in to our local UHF or VHF frequencies of 145.450
MHz or indeed 434.450 MHz. These frequencies are very
active from early morning to late at night. TRG members operate daily and
nightly skeds and again would invite other amateurs to
call in." ...........From the IRTS News.

January 2001

ATV News -
"On Tuesday the 9th of January viewers of the ATV Repeater EI2ATR,
watched live pictures of the eclipse of the Moon.
Due to the forecast inclement weather, members had links set up in the
greater Dublin area, and in Dundalk, to overcome possible cloud cover.
As it turned out most of the event was covered from North County Dublin,
which had good clear skies for most of the evening.
Charlie EI2EM who lives in Swords Co Dublin, sent live pictures of the
event, on 24 cm to Rod EI3CZ, who then relayed the pictures on 3cm to
the repeater site in Co Cavan, which in turn broadcast on both 24cm and
3cm to viewers in Dublin, Cavan and Co Louth.
This proved very successful and showed again the usefulness of the
repeater. If due to cloud you missed the eclipse live, maybe next time
you might tune in to your local repeater, as interesting events are
often covered.
For further information on this aspect of the hobby, call into the ATV
talkback net on 144.75 MHz any evening, or visit the Web site of the
Irish Amateur Television Club at http//homepage.eircom.net/~iatc or
contact EI2EM at QTHR. Watch also for demonstrations at Rallies
throughout the year."......From the IRTS News

VHF Field Day 2000 Results -
"The VHF Field Day was held on the 1st and 2nd of July 2000. In first
place in the open section was East Cork Radio Group EI7M with a total of
111,019 points. EI7M station was operated by EI6GF, EI8GS and EI7FJ.
In second place was Kells Radio Club EI7KRC with 92,793 points. EI7KRC
was operated by EI5FZB, EI6FLB, EI8IP, EI9ED and EI9HW.
Taking first place in the restricted section was Tipperary Amateur Radio
Group EI7TRG operated by EI3ENB and achieving a score of 24,170 points.
in second place in the restricted section was North Dublin Radio Club
EI0NDR with a total of 18,390 points. EI0NDR was operated by EI6EQB and
EI4FV. Well done to all."...........from the IRTS News.

EA1VHF back on air -
The Spanish 2m beacon, EA1VHF, is active again. It operates on a frequency of 144.404 MHz and it transmits the message "EA1VHF IN52RE 25W 615m ASL antenna omnid hitz" in CW. This beacon is very useful for UK and EI stations as it shows when the sea path to the North coast of Spain is open on 2m. At times when there is a high pressure weather system over the Bay of Biscay, Spanish 2m stations can be heard and worked in EI with 5/9+ signals.......Info from the Jan Issue of Radcom.

Mayo Repeater -
The Mayo Repeater EI2MRR is now located on it's new site near Balla, and
traffic through the repeater would be most welcome, so that the Mayo
Club can judge it's coverage performance. The Repeater is on R0 145.600
MHz with input 600 down. Access is by way of 1750Hz toneburst OR by a
77Hz CTCSS tone.......from the IRTS News.

2 metre Counties Contest Results -
"The 2 metre Counties Contest took place on August the 27th 2000. First
in the High Power Portable section was Paul Kirkby EI6FE with a score of
5140 and 20 counties worked. First in the Low Power Portable section
was Peter Grant EI4HX with a 2820 score and 15 counties worked. The
High Power Fixed section was led by Thomas Hallinan EI2IT with a score
of 1792 with 16 counties worked and the Low Power Fixed section was led
by Paul Norris EI3ENB scoring 744 and 8 counties worked.
The FM Only section was led by Joe Ryan EI7GY with 3857 points and 19
counties worked and the leading station outside of EI/GI was Don Kirby
GW0PLP with 520 points and 10 counties worked."......from the IRTS Radio News.

Practical Wireless 144 MHz Year 2000 Contest Results -
The results for the Practical Wireless 144 MHz QRP Contest have recently been published. This contest took place during June, 2000. Two EI stations were mentioned in the results.
In 39th position overall was John O'Sullivan, EI6ARB/P. He operated from IO63 square (440 Metres ASL) as a single op station and scored 836 Points. He had 44 QSO's with 19 locator squares. He was using a Yaesu FT290R and a 10 element Yagi.
In 55th position was Paul Norris, EI3ENB/P. He operated from IO62 square (515 Metres ASL) as a single op station and scored 464 Points. He had 29 QSO's with 16 locator squares. He was using a Yaesu FT736R and a 13 element yagi.